What Is: 4G LTE

Following the recent launch of our “Cellular 101: A Glossary of Terms” help guide, Westbase.io has launched a weekly “What Is” blog series to provide even more insight into the cellular industry.

In this week’s edition we look at 4G LTE.

What is 4G LTE?

4G is the fourth generation of mobile technology and brings increased speed and bandwidth to mobile networks. Also known as “LTE” (Long Term Evolution), 4G is unlocking the true potential of cellular networking and enabling new applications not previously available on 3G.

What is the difference between 4G and LTE?

“4G” was the natural naming progression for this latest generation of mobile technology, following on from the previous 2G and 3G versions. It was later agreed however that “4G” did not appropriately represent the level of progression that the technology had made since 3G, and so “Long Term Evolution” was put forward as an alternative name. The terms “4G” and “LTE” can therefore be used interchangeably and both refer to the same technology.

What is the difference between 3G and 4G LTE?

4G LTE connectivity offers much higher speeds and bandwidth than 3G – most sources claim that it is at least 5 times faster. In addition to this, it also features lower latency meaning the network can respond faster, improved spectrum which increases the network capacity, and also has greater penetration. In reality what this means is that 4G LTE can power more advanced applications than 3G – meeting and, in some cases, exceeding the capabilities of fixed line connectivity in a way that cellular has not previously been able to.

What does 4G LTE mean for businesses?

The ability of 4G LTE to provide connectivity for more advanced applications means that it is a true wireless alternative to fixed line connectivity. It is a catalyst, changing enterprises and their networks for the better.

The emergence of key business technologies over the past few years has created a tipping point in the pressure on enterprise networks – everything from the Internet of Things and Big Data, to the Cloud and Connected Customer Services, is creating a demand for flexible, scalable connectivity. LTE is the answer to this demand.

Enabling highly distributed applications, where fixed line cannot physically or viably go, LTE is a connectivity game changer that is enabling organisations to maximise their return on these new technologies – changing their business models for the better and helping them to roll out new products and services with ease.

LTE is enabling businesses to:

Rapidly deploy connectivity to new and temporary sites

Provide a flexible failover solution that keeps them online

Cut the wire by using cellular as their primary and failover

Deploy in-vehicle connectivity

Create air-gapped, parallel networks with ease

Extend their enterprise network securely to remote branches

Deploy Internet of Things applications; connect anywhere, anytime

Expand connected customer services

To find out more about how LTE is change the enterprise for the better, download our “How LTE is Changing the Enterprise” presentation that we delivered at Interop London 2015 – just follow the link provided.